From broken doors to bottles of Chablis, Tipp South had it all when Brian Crowley was on the by-election canvass. The MEP is a legendary doorstepper, despite being wheelchair bound, and he was in full flight for his FF associate Barry O'Brien. No problem was too small. In Ballyclerahan Crowley listened intently as a man complained he couldn't properly close either of his doors - front or back. Had he told the county council? asked Crowley. "You might as well tell Nelson's Pillar," said the man. Noting the details, the MEP was helpful - "I can't promise you it will be solved by Thursday, but I promise you it will be solved."
When two women sunbathing in the garden said they thought he would bring them ice-pops, he was quick off the mark - "I've got the Chablis out in the car, I'll have it up to you in a minute," he replied as he whizzed off.
Quidnunc can be contacted at: rholohan@irish-times.ie